Paul Samson facts for kids

Paul Samson (born June 4, 1953 – died August 9, 2002) was a talented English musician. He was best known as a guitarist and was a big part of the "new wave of British heavy metal" music scene.

Paul Samson's Musical Journey

Paul Samson was born Paul Sanson. When he was just 15 years old, in 1968, he started his first band called 'The Innocence'. After playing in a few other bands, he formed his own band, Samson, in 1977.

Forming the Band Samson

The first members of the band Samson were Chris Aylmer on bass guitar and Clive Burr on drums. Clive Burr later left to join the famous band Iron Maiden. He was replaced by a drummer known as Thunderstick, who wore a special mask on stage.

In 1979, the band got a new singer, Bruce Dickinson, who used the stage name "Bruce Bruce".

Samson's Success and Changes

The band Samson became very popular with fans of the "new wave of British heavy metal" music. They released three albums: Survivors, Head On, and Shock Tactics.

In 1981, both Thunderstick and Bruce Dickinson left the band. Bruce Dickinson went on to become the lead singer for Iron Maiden.

Nicky Moore joined Samson as the new singer. Then, Mel Gaynor and later Pete Jupp took over on drums. This new lineup released two more albums: Before the Storm and Don't Get Mad - Get Even. These albums sold even more copies than the first three. The band toured in many countries and played for bigger audiences. Samson officially split up in 1984.

Later Projects and Solo Work

In 1985 and 1986, Paul Samson recorded a new album with Nicky Moore called Joint Forces. This album was first released as a solo record by Paul Samson, but it was later recognized as a band record.

In 1986, Paul Samson started a new band called "Paul Samson's Empire". They even toured with Iron Maiden until 1987.

Paul Samson formed another version of Samson in 1987, but it disbanded again in 1994 after many changes in the band members.

Paul Samson spent his later years working on different solo projects and group projects. He also became a successful record producer. He was also known as a blues musician and spent a year playing blues music in Chicago, USA.

The "Black Betty" Story

Some people have said that Paul Samson played on the 1977 hit song "Black Betty" by Ram Jam. However, he did not play on the final record. Paul Samson told his close friend, Stewart Cochrane, that he played guitar on the demo version of "Black Betty". He said he was paid only £20 for that session. Paul Samson was upset because he believed his guitar playing from the demo was used in the final song, and he felt he missed out on a lot of money from royalties.

Paul Samson's Passing

Paul Samson passed away from cancer on August 9, 2002, in Norwich. He was recording a new Samson album with Nicky Moore at the time.

Discography

See also

In Spanish: Paul Samson para niños